Red Clover
(Trifolium pratense)
trefoil, purple clover

Description: A perennial, 1-2 feet tall, with several stems, arising from one root, and slightly hairy. The leaves are ternate. Leaflets are ovate, entire, nearly smooth, ending in a long point, often a lighter color in the center. The fragrant flowers are red to purple, in dense, terminal ovoid or globular heads. It is a native of Europe and common in cultivation across the U.S. Found wild in mountain meadows, disturbed areas and along stream banks, in light sandy soil.

EDIBLE, Medicinal: The Indians of California, Arizona and elsewhere have eaten it and other species, raw or as a salad, although it is hard to digest. It is a altertative, and antispasmodic. The whole plant is used for treatment of cancer, combined with other herbs. It helps in whooping cough, bronchial troubles, chronic rheumatism, skin diseases, and syphilis. Poultices are used for local application. A tea from the flower can be drunk daily. Steep 1 teaspoon of the flowers to 1 cup water. A decoction can be made of the roots for a blood purifier. A recent medical report from the Mayo Clinic, states that it contains an
effective anticoagulant that may be helpful in treating coronary thrombosis.